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Average Price: $488

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Description

For musicians who crave the perfect blend of classic charm and modern innovation, the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special stands out as a true gem. This solid body electric guitar redefines the classic Tele sound by incorporating a Duncan Designed Jazzmaster neck pickup, offering a smooth, warm tone that jazz enthusiasts will adore. Paired with the biting and articulate Duncan Designed Telecaster bridge pickup, this guitar delivers an expansive tonal range that caters to both traditionalists and experimentalists alike.

Crafted from a basswood body, this Telecaster is lightweight yet robust, providing the ideal canvas for its unique pickup configuration. The Jazzmaster maple neck, with its 25.5" scale and 21 medium-jumbo frets, promises both comfort and speed, making it ideal for quick riffs and soulful solos. Its vintage-style 3-barrel string-thru bridge further enhances sustain and tonal stability, ensuring every note rings true.

Musicians will appreciate the attention to detail and the thoughtful modifications that make this guitar a standout in its class. Whether you're exploring new genres or staying true to your roots, the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special is your ticket to a world of creative possibilities.

Key Features:

  • Duncan Designed Jazzmaster neck pickup for smooth, lead tones
  • Duncan Designed Telecaster bridge pickup for classic Tele spank and bite
  • Basswood body with a Jazzmaster carved maple neck for bright tones and fast action
  • 21 medium-jumbo frets on a 25.5" scale maple neck
  • Vintage-style 3-barrel string-thru bridge for enhanced sustain and stability

Product specs

Brand Squier
Model Vintage Modified Telecaster Special
Year 2012 - 2019
Made In Indonesia
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family White, Yellow
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Frets Medium Jumbo
Model Family Squier Telecaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Squier Vintage Modified
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special like?

The Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special features a Jazzmaster maple neck with a 9.5" radius, providing a comfortable and familiar feel that balances playability for both chord strumming and lead work.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special?

This guitar is equipped with a Duncan Designed TE-101B bridge pickup and a JM-101N single-coil Jazzmaster pickup, offering a versatile range of tones from classic Tele twang to warm, full-bodied Jazzmaster sounds.

Is the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile pickup configuration, making it an excellent choice for exploring a variety of musical styles.

How does the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special's bridge affect its sound and playability?

The vintage-style 3-barrel string-thru bridge on the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special enhances sustain and provides a classic Telecaster tone, while also offering stable tuning and intonation.

What is the body material of the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special, and how does it influence the guitar's tone?

The body of the Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special is made of basswood, which contributes to a balanced tonal response with a smooth midrange, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

Fender

Fender

Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special Demo | Fender

Video thumbnail for Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special Demo | Fender by Fender

Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special Demo | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special by jbmando

Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special

jbmando

jbmando

Video thumbnail for Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special! - demo/review by Landon Bailey

Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special! - demo/review

Landon Bailey

Landon Bailey

Video thumbnail for Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special by Late Boomer Gear Review

Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special

Late Boomer Gear Review

Late Boomer Gear Review

Video thumbnail for New Guitar Day - Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special by Landon Bailey

New Guitar Day - Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special

Landon Bailey

Landon Bailey

Reviews

PROS

  • Telecaster bridge pickup offers classic, bright 60's-era tone without harshness

  • Jazzmaster neck pickup provides unique mix of low end and bite

  • High-quality "Duncan Designed" pickups ensure excellent sound quality

  • Transparent butterscotch finish is visually appealing

  • Solid tuning machines keep the guitar in tune reliably

  • Resonant alder body offers rich tone even unplugged

  • Affordable price for a guitar with unique sound and style

  • Modern neck profile offers comfortable playability

CONS

  • High gloss finish on the neck may not suit all players

  • High E string setup issues above the twelfth fret

  • Some may find the need to upgrade pickups for optimal performance

  • Non-compensated saddles may require replacement for perfect intonation

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special.

Mods and upgrades

  • A Super Distortion T pickup in the bridge allows the guitar to handle genres from jazz to doom metal, while a Dimarzio P90 copy in the neck can sound muddy.

    Source
  • A 4-way switch can be installed for series and parallel pickup options, enhancing tonal versatility.

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  • Owners recommend upgrading to a Seymour Duncan 'lil 59 humbucker or a hotter Tele single coil for improved bridge pickup output.

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  • A Fender Pure Vintage Telecaster Ashtray Bridge Cover was added by an owner for aesthetic enhancement.

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Build quality

  • Owners mention the 70s style machine heads require top-loading, which can initially cause tuning instability with .11 gauge strings but improves after a few days.

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  • The white pearl finish reportedly looks better in person and might appeal to those who appreciate aesthetic details.

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  • Vintage-style split post tuners and brass saddles are highlighted as quality features on this model.

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  • The guitar's finish in Butterscotch Blonde is highlighted as visually appealing, indicating a high level of satisfaction with its aesthetic.

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User experience

  • The neck is highly praised for its comfort, comparable to an Ibanez Sz720, although the 21 frets might be limiting for some players.

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  • Engaging in modifications and upgrades can enhance bonding with the guitar and deepen understanding of its mechanics.

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  • Combining the JM neck pickup with the bridge pickup offers intriguing tonal options, as noted by multiple users discussing the middle position sound.

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Features and functionality

  • The stock pickups offer a light distortion on the overwound bridge and a dark, middy edge on the neck, but may not be hot enough for all users.

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  • The stock configuration includes a Seymour Duncan TE-101 bridge pickup and a Seymour Duncan JM-101 Jazzmaster neck pickup.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A parallel cap/resistor treble bleed mod on the volume is suggested to maintain clarity when reducing volume.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Special is a delightful blend of classic Tele charm infused with quirky, modern flair. It boasts an excellent neck and vast tonal potential, making it a versatile choice for diverse musical styles. The guitar shines with its unique pickup combinations and robust build, ensuring it stands out in both sound and design. However, its machine heads appear somewhat cheap, which might deter those seeking a more premium aesthetic. Overall, this guitar offers incredible value for its price, capturing the essence of vintage allure without breaking the bank.

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